Avoiding a Pedestrian Accident

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Posted on 18th February 2010 by Hrlaw in Uncategorized

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Every year, there are nearly 5,000 men and women killed in traffic accidents as pedestrians. Joggers, people walking to work, or children at play are all victim to inattentive drivers and unfortunate conditions and, in many cases, it could have been avoided if extra precautions were taken.

The Pedestrian
A pedestrian, despite having the right of way and almost never being at fault in a traffic accident, has certain responsibilities to themselves to remain safe when walking near motorways. It is important to check road conditions before ever stepping out into the road or submitting yourself to the mercy of traffic. It can be dangerous to put yourself in any situation where a driver is left to slow or stop for you. Even at green lights and stop signs, a pedestrian should take care and check for traffic and any drivers who may not be following the traffic laws as carefully as possible.

Motorists
The motorists are the ones who are almost always liable for these accidents and generally, it is due to inattentiveness, excessive speed, or not following traffic laws. Rolling through stop signs, speeding through local streets, turning on red lights, or running through traffic signals can all result in injury or death when a motorist hits a pedestrian.

Long Term Damage from a Pedestrian Accident
When hit by a car, a pedestrian is especially vulnerable. Those who survive such accidents are generally subject to quite a few long term problems. These can range from disability in the lower extremities, to brain injury, spinal cord injury, disfigurement, or general nerve damage. Children in particular are subject to severe damage in such accidents due to their underdeveloped bone structures, lack of protection, and smaller frames. When hit by a car, a pedestrian will almost always suffer some basic injuries. It is vital to see a doctor and determine the severity of those injuries as some, like spinal, neck, or brain injuries won’t show symptoms for days or even weeks after the accident.

If you are struck by a car or are in the car when it strikes a pedestrian, it is a very serious situation. The police and emergency crews should be involved, even when no immediate injury is apparent. The potential risk of long term damage is too great to not take it as seriously as possible.
This article is written for general information and should not be taken as legal advice.

Have you been affected by a pedestrian accident? Contact Ken Allen Law for details on your rights. Serving clients across Indiana.

Social Security Benefits

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Posted on 18th February 2010 by Hrlaw in Uncategorized

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The Social Security Act provides a convenient way for workers to be able to plan and secure their own and family’s future. With the increase in the average life expectancy for Americans, the Social Security system of benefits allows workers and their families to live a fuller and healthier life even after retirement.

Disability Benefits
According to figures released, around 4 million disabled American workers below 65 and 1.7 million beneficiaries receive disability benefits. Amounts received mainly depend on the status of the worker. The average monthly benefit received by each disabled worker is around $780 and those with a family of two or more children receiving $1,200.

Under the Social Security program, persons are considered disabled if they have debilitating mental or physical conditions that hinders them from performing work. This medical condition must prevent them from performing work for at least 12 months or considered life threatening. The Social Security program in turn gives eligible workers or their family checks until such time that the worker is able to perform work again.

Retirement Benefits
Around 30 million retired American workers and their beneficiaries receive social security benefits. The program continues to be an effective way of providing help to the retired American workforce where almost 9 out of 10 of the total population receiving benefits.

Early retirees or those at age 62 could be eligible for reduced benefits, full retirement benefits however are only possible when they reach 65. But the age requirements for full benefits are scheduled to increase in the future requiring a minimum age of 67 in 2027. Reduced benefits will continue to be available for people aged 62 even with eventual introduction of new policies.

Economists and financial advisers have placed the 70 percent figure as the ideal number in order for retirees to continue living securely and comfortably. The Social Security system of benefits is able to supply 26 percent of the income of high wage earners, 42 percent of average wage earners and 60 percent of the earnings of low wage earners.

Survivor Benefits
Leaving our families due to untimely death is one thing no parent looks forward to. Social Security ensures that your family receives benefits and help in the future. The number of credit depends on the number of years you have been contributing to the system and amount you have invested. For those who don’t have the required credits, a payment history of one and a half years or 6 credits qualifies your family to receive partial benefits.

Additional Resource: For more information regarding Social Security Benefits visit Attorney Mike Murburg PA, Tampa Bay, Florida.

Cocaine Distribution and Sales

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Posted on 18th February 2010 by Hrlaw in Uncategorized

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Cocaine can be smuggled in quantities equal to a kilogram (2.2 lbs.) across the border and into the United States. The couriers that carry the drug are known as “mules” and can travel by airplane, boat or other illegal entry means. In some cases, the drugs are strapped to the mule’s waist or legs or can smuggled in the body, internally. Should the mule make it across the border successfully with the drugs, the initiators of the smuggling will benefit from the majority of the profits. Should the mule be caught, however, they will find themselves standing trial alone.

Staging areas in the Gulf of Mexico or the western Caribbean are sites for cargo ships, carrying large quantities of cocaine, to land. In this case, the shipping vessels can measure up to 250 ft. in length and can carry up to two and a half tons of the drug. Commercial fishing boats can also be used for trafficking operations. In areas where recreational boating is popular, drug smugglers will attempt to blend in by using the same types of vessels used by the general local population.

Sales
One can easily find cocaine in every major urban area and many outside locations, as well. The U.S. Office of National Drug Control reported (in 1998) that cocaine sales and use had become stabilized in most parts of the country – with only a few increases in various regions. However, these statistics has fallen somewhat, in the West, which has been attributed to the increase in methamphetamine use. Methamphetamine can be made locally (as opposed to smuggling), costs less and is stronger and more long-lasting than cocaine.
Cocaine can be purchased in different sized amounts; from “dime bags” ($10) which are usually between 0.1 and 0.15 grams to larger, individual bag sizes. But, in states near the Mexican border, cocaine is cheaper to obtain. The quality and street price of cocaine will vary greatly, depending on the dealer and the purity of the drug.

Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice.

For more details, please click here to contact Attorney Michael Lowe in the greater Dallas, Texas area.

Air Safety: Common Mechanical Issues

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Posted on 17th February 2010 by Hrlaw in Uncategorized

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Air safety can take many forms and is designed to provide the optimum level of travel security when flying. However, certain factor can compromise this safety. Some of the mechanical issues that can arise are:

Engine Failures
Engine failure can occur for any number of reasons. Although an aircraft, in recent years, have been designed to fly despite the failure of an engine, the failure of a second engine (on the same side of the aircraft) is an extremely serious issue. With the loss of all engine power, an immediate emergency landing is indicated. This was the case in the 1970 Dominica DC-9 airline disaster when contamination of the aircraft’s fuel caused the failure of both its engines. This is why designated emergency landing sites are outlined on standard flight paths.
A good example of this was the Gimli Glider incident in 1983. Here, an Air Canada flight ran out of fuel, thus compelling the pilot to attempt a dead-stick landing and glide the aircraft to an emergency landing. Fortunately, the ram air turbine was able to maintain the hydraulic pressure needed to power the flight controls. The pilot was then able to land the plane with only minor damage to the aircraft and minimal passenger injuries – most of which were suffered in the plane’s evacuation.
Another type of engine failure can happen when the plane’s engine completely detaches from the craft. This occurred in 1979 with American Airlines Flight 191 – causing complete loss of aircraft control.

Metal Fatigue
Metal fatigue can cause either engine failure or structural failure of the aircraft’s body. This occurred in the Kegworth air disaster of 1989, the 1953 & 1954 De Havilland Comets incidents and the 1988 Aloha Airlines, Flight 243. However, now that these structural issues are better documented and understood, more detailed and rigorous inspections and materials testing are now in place.

De-lamination
De-lamination consists of fibers tearing off their resin matrix and separating from each other. When this happens, a mica-like structure forms – which then falls apart. In most cases, there are no visible manifestations and ultrasound equipment will be used to detect this condition. Most de-lamination issues are detected before they can cause major problems. It can be noted that even as far back as the 1940’s there were several Yakovlev Yak-9’s that demonstrated de-lamination of their plywood construction.
Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice.

An aviation accident can be as devastating as it is frightening. For more information regarding airplane accidents, contact Attorney Kristopher Barber in his Dallas, Texas office.

Coping with Head Injuries

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Posted on 2nd February 2010 by Hrlaw in Uncategorized

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Head injuries are among the most common of personal injuries and can range from the every day bump to the life-threatening and fatal. Head injuries can occur almost anywhere though some places or activities carry more risk than others.

High risk areas and activities for head injuries include:

Construction sites or anywhere there is a risk of falling from a height

Contact sports

Diving into water

Car crashes

Cycling

Children’ playgrounds

Falling objects can occur from anywhere including the home and office.

Many things can be done to reduce the risk factors involved. Wearing appropriate safety headgear is essential for cycling, construction sites and many contact sports. Never dive into any water where you are unsure of the depth or whether any hidden objects may be lying underwater. While falls from playgrounds and trees are common in youngsters try to ensure any playground they use has a safety based material underneath. Don’t overload shelving or try to reach top shelves without on your tip toes.

There are three main types of head injury that can occur.

  1. Skull fractures.
  2. Intracranial bleeding – where fluid bleeds from and into the cranial cavity this often causes pressure on the brain.
  3. Closed head injuries – concussion.

Many people become frightened when they see bleeding from the head as it is often profuse. This is simply because the blood vessels are close to the surface. Goose eggs occur for the same reason and are usually not an indication of severe injury.

It is usually best not to immediately try to clean severe bleeding from the head though as this can prevent clotting. If you suspect a skull fracture don’t apply direct pressure to try stop bleeding.

Seeing an object protruding from the head can be particularly frightening. Never try to remove any object embedded in the head. Get straight to the hospital or call an ambulance.

Concussion occurs when the brain is shaken, or strikes the skull. It can cause long term damage. Concussion is sometimes one of the hardest head injuries to tell and sometimes goes unnoticed, particularly in car crash situations. This kind of head injury can accompany whiplash too so it pays to get checked out by a doctor especially if you think you may need to make a personal injury claim.

Any injury to the head should always be watched closely for 24 hours. If a person becomes confused, has difficulty walking or speaking and is difficult to rouse from sleep seek medical attention immediately. Bleeding or fluid coming from the nose or mouth is a sign of major head injury and should be treated as an emergency. If an infant has suffered a blow to the head take them to a doctor anyway, the signs of injury are harder for the average person to read.

As said, some damage caused by head injuries may not show up for some time following the actual accident. Intracranial bleeding and concussions are particularly so. If you live alone, either seek medical attention or find a friend to stay with the first 24 hour period so you can be watched. Many injuries are not severe but it is better to be safe than sorry.

Additional Resources: Dealing With Personal Injury Claims in Coral Springs, Florida, Visit The Weinstein Law Firm.

Preventing and Dealing With Burns

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Posted on 2nd February 2010 by Hrlaw in Uncategorized

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Burns can be one of the most painful types of personal injury. The best way to deal with them of course is to prevent them happening in the first place. Basic safety precautions in the home and workplace can do a lot to reduce the risk of burns occurring.

Kitchens and bathrooms are the most burn prone areas of the home. Reduce risk by:

  1. Turning your hot water temperature down. The recommended level especially if you have children is 120_F (49_C). At this level it would take 10 minutes to burn a child’s hand.
  2. Always test the temperature of bath or shower water with your hand before getting in, particularly for children.
  3. Always keep pot handles facing inwards. Not only can children grab hold of them and pull them down, but adults can catch their clothes on them, jumping cats and dogs may not see them and knock them over too.
  4. Never leave anything cooking unattended.
  5. Use pot mitts when handling hot plates and food. Often things don’t feel too hot when you first touch, but by the time you get that dish to the table it will be burning.
  6. If removing plastic wrap or any kind of lid, be cautious of steam burns. Always remove a lid or any covering away from yourself.

Barbeques are another major area of burn risk. Help prevent risk by:

  1. Keeping your BBQ clean. Old drippings and food bits can catch fire easily.
  2. Never leave a barbeque unattended, especially if children are around.
  3. If you are using gas, make sure the cylinder is checked regularly and turned off after use.
  4. Never ever use accelerants such as gasoline or turpentine to try to start a barbeque. You not only run the risk of burns but of a major fire.
  5. Use good long handled tools to handle cooking food and oven mitts for moving dishes.

Just as gas barbeques should be checked regularly, so should any heaters you have in your home. If you have an open fire or use heaters always be sure to keep a guard around them. This is absolutely essential if you have children in the home.

If you or another person should catch on fire the flame needs to be smothered. Stop, drop and roll. Roll on the ground; roll in a blanket if available.

Treating burns

When burns do occur they need to be treated quickly.

Any burn from whatever cause needs immediate treatment. Ten minutes under running cold water. If running water is not available then any cold water will do. Ten minutes is the best time for two reasons. Firstly burning will be continuing under the skin and it can take that full ten minutes to reach and stop further damage. If you leave the water running longer than ten minutes it can start to destroy the skin and underlying tissue.

For any burn that covers a skin surface larger than the circle made by putting your thumb and first finger together should be seen by a doctor. For extensive burns call an ambulance immediately!

Legal Resource: Tallahassee Florida Personal Injury Attorneys at Searcy, Denney, Scarola, Barnhart & Shipley. Will Help You With Your Claim.

Dealing with Cancer and Medication Management

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Posted on 1st February 2010 by Hrlaw in Uncategorized

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Cancer encompasses a class of cellular diseases in which cells begin growing uncontrollably, while damaging surrounding tissues. Cancer can also spread to other parts of the body (metastasis) through blood or lymph circulation – effectively shutting down bodily functions. This process is known as a malignancy and is different from benign tumors which are self-limiting and will not spread, invade tissues or metastasize.

Although cancer will most often present itself in the form of a tumor, other cancers, such as leukemia, do not. Oncology is the branch of medicine associated with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Cancer can affect a person at any age but the risk factors will increase as a person ages. About 7.6 million patients died of cancer in 2007, which is about 13% percent of all deaths.

Cancer is caused by an abnormality in the affected cell’s genetic material and can be related to carcinogenic materials found in tobacco, radioactive material, certain chemicals and infectious materials. However, random genetic abnormalities can also cause cancer – such as DNA replication errors or inheritance factors. In these cases, the cancer-causing cells may even be present from the time of birth.

Studies related to cancer patients indicate that the majority of cancer patients experience cancer-related pain of varying degrees at some point of the illness and subsequent treatment. It has also been noted that cancer-related pain levels can impair functionality and quality of life. These findings are reflected in studies throughout developed countries where patients are able to receive tertiary cancer medical care. Increased levels of pain are likely, as the disease progresses and pain medications, such as morphine, may be prescribed to manage those pain levels.

Morphine is commonly used since it will not accelerate the cancer process while alleviating the cancer-associated pain. Morphine is a member of a class of medications known as opioids which are usually referred to as “narcotics”. Their primary function is to alter the way that the brain perceives pain. There can be some effects of morphine use that may include dependence and interference of perception and judgment. Even with those side effects, morphine is highly effective in improving the quality of life for many cancer patients.

Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice.

If you need to know more about the ramifications of end care cancer, you can visit the website of Adrian Philip Thomas, P.A., located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

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